Linn County Sheriff Michelle Duncan reports that yesterday, July 25, 2023, at 3:26 p.m., Linn County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Center received a 911 call reporting a two-vehicle motor vehicle crash in the 26000 block of Peoria Road near Halsey. Initial reports suggested it was a fatal crash.
Upon arrival, Deputies found a green 2011 Toyota Camry had a near head-on collision with a green 2006 Ford F-450 utility truck pulling a trailer. The investigation revealed the Toyota Camry was traveling north on Peoria Road and crossed the centerline while negotiated a right-hand curve, striking the oncoming Ford F-450 occupied by Diogenes Diaz-Perez, 36, of Springfield, and Jose Reyes-Castro, 34, of Springfield.
The driver of the Toyota Camry, a 17-year-old male from Idaho, sustained fatal injuries in the crash. The two occupants of the Ford F-450 were evaluated for minor injuries. A 15-year-old juvenile male passenger in the Toyota Camry was also evaluated for minor injuries.
At this time, it is unknown what caused the Toyota Camry to cross the centerline, and there is no indication of impairment or excessive speed. The investigation is ongoing.
The Multi-Agency Investigation Team (MAIT) was called out to assist with the investigation. Deputies were assisted by the Halsey Fire Department and the Linn County Road Department.